Welcome to Big Bear Lake, California, located within the San Bernardino National Forest. Nestled within the boundaries of the Mountaintop Ranger District, it is the only incorporated city within the forest. More from this guide...

Big Bear Lake is a seasonal destination with attractions and activities to entertain all ages throughout the year. It is a popular getaway due to its many mountain and lake activities and adventures.

Winter offers a plethora of fun-filled snow options such as maneuvering the landscape while downhill skiing, showing off moves and techniques on a snowboard, or whisking down a mountain slope on a sled.

When the weather is warmer, the lake heats up with its own assortment of water-related entertainment, with boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

There's plenty to do on land at Big Bear Lake, including hiking the many scenic trails, seeing the sights from atop a horse while touring the area, or tackling the terrain on a mountain bike.

When to Visit Big Bear Lake, CA

Since Big Bear Lake is a seasonal destination for travelers, there isn't a bad time to visit. The city averages more than its share of sunny days with summertime temperatures averaging 80 degrees. Rainfall is minimal, with the area receiving about 22 inches annually. The comfort index for humidity in the U.S. averages 44, while Big Bear Lake averages 25. The higher the level, the more comfortable the location.

Winter enthusiasts have the best of both worlds while staying at Big Bear Lake with its easy access to several skiing resorts. Temperatures can vary between 20 to 40 degrees and snowfall averages between 62 and 100 inches each year. As a top destination in America for winter skiing, you'll encounter crowded conditions and higher rates, and hotels may be completely booked.

Spring is one of the best times to enjoy the beauty of spring blossoms at their height and ideal outdoor temperatures for exploring. Daytime averages 60 to 70 degrees and nighttime averages 40 degrees. In addition, the winter crowds have gone, making the area less crowded. The lines are shorter, and more accommodations are available.

Summer is another busy season with the area's seven miles of lake and a long list of water sports that includes sailing high in the sky on a parasail, jet skiing around the lake, kayaking, wakeboarding, or trying your hand at stand-up paddleboarding. If you prefer land-based fun, take a ride on the Scenic Sky Chair to Snow Summit and enjoy the magnificent views along the way. Ride back or hike down, it's up to you.

Fall is a photographer's dream season as it brings a rainbow of autumn hues when the leaves begin their annual changing of colors. The season is perfect for taking a guided Jeep tour through the backcountry with camera in hand. Fall is also when the annual Oktoberfest celebration takes place.

Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Big Bear Lake, CA:

Big Bear Lake, CA: Prices by Star Rating Class

Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Big Bear Lake, CA. Browse these charts to calculate the cheapest months to book a room in Big Bear Lake during the year.

Luxury Hotel Options in Big Bear Lake, CA

4 Star Average Prices: $208.23

Breath in the fresh mountain air and enjoy beautiful scenery and sunsets from the comfort of a lakefront room or suite at the Marina Resort. Rooms are decorated with charming rustic furnishings, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Relax on the private beach, unwind in the Jacuzzi, swim in the pool, or take a hike, Segway excursion, or a zip line tour. Big Bear Lake Village is across the street with assorted dining and shopping venues.

Once you check into Big Bear Frontier, you'll want to extend your stay as the cabins offer an exceptional guest experience. Choose the cabin size you need, such as a studio with a queen bed, fireplace, TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee maker, and kitchen with a microwave. You also have a choice of a one, three, or five-bedroom cabin, some equipped with a whirlpool, dining area, private deck, full kitchen, and multiple TVs. Enjoy mountain views, a private beach, barbecue area, and a soothing hot tub and heated pool. The resort is pet-friendly.

Affordable Hotel Options in Big Bear Lake, CA

3 Star Average Prices: $144.03

Robinhood Resort offers lake views and the convenience of nearby Big Bear Lake Village along with three separate buildings featuring upscale rooms and suites. Choose Sherwood Forest with its deluxe spas, fireplaces, and lake views, or Robinhood Inn, which offers standard rooms and suites. For cozy comfort in either a single, double, or triple bed, choose the Wishing Well, which is in walking distance of the village. Tickle your taste buds with California cuisine and refined wines at Nottingham's Tavern. Dine at King Richard's Room beside a crackling fireplace, Little John's Pub for family dining, the pet-friendly patio of Camelot's Courtyard, and Friar Tuck's Tavern with live music and ongoing entertainment.

When you choose to stay at Big Bear Lakefront Lodge, the lakeshore is outside your door. Stay in a well-appointed lake view or garden suite, kitchen suite, spa suite, or a two-story cabin. Room amenities will keep you comfortable with fireplaces, wet bars, kitchens, and kitchenettes. Enjoy the views from your patio or balcony, or walk down to the shoreline for a breath of fresh air. Watch cable TV, refresh with a cool drink from the mini-refrigerator, or fix a snack in the microwave.

2 Star Average Prices: $89.02

Which Big Bear Lake hotels have real discounts?

Golden Bear Cottages Resort has hosted guests since 1927, so you can be confident that your business or vacation stay will be all that it should be and more. The resort offers military discounts and AAA discounts ideal for groups, teams, and corporate business conferences. Situated on five beautiful acres, the historic resort offers studios, one- to seven-bedroom non-smoking cabins, and pet-friendly designated cabins featuring a fenced area for your pets. Relax in a Jacuzzi, prepare meals in the kitchenette, and unwind by the fire.

Booking a guest room at Best Western Big Bear Chateau puts you less than a mile from Bear Mountain and Snow Summit ski resorts. After a day of activities, come home to a cozy fireplace, pillowtop mattress, cable TV, and high-speed internet. Take advantage of the hotel's amenities for unwinding at the fitness center, the refreshing heated waters of the pool and spa or the game room. The hotel also has full services if you need to take care of business and is a great location for meetings, banquets, and special events. The hotel averages 8.5 percent in group savings and has a 10.0/10 group-friendly rating.

Best Value Options in Big Bear Lake, CA

At Snow Lake Lodge, no matter the season, there's plenty to do. Set amid the beautiful mountain and lake region, enjoy the comforts of home in fully equipped one-bedroom suites featuring kitchens with stove and microwave, two cozy fireplaces in each suite, living and dining areas, TV and DVD, and a king bed and queen-size sleeper sofa. Entertainment and convenience are guaranteed with on-site amenities such as a recreation room, pool table, heated spa and pool, complimentary DVD movies, book library, and laundry facilities. Choose from a variety of entertainment options such as shopping and dining in Big Bear Village, ice skating, boating, horseback riding, and hiking.

Mallard Bay Resort is the perfect destination for visitors who want the convenience of a boat dock for their personal use right outside the hotel or snow skiing less than two miles away. Select a quiet, charming lakeside cabin with accommodations for one to six people. Each cabin features a full kitchen and all the utensils, a coffee maker to perk you up in the morning, and most have complimentary Wi-Fi. Take a dip in the heated pool, sit by the outdoor fireplace, have a picnic, or play ping-pong. Whatever your pleasure, family owned and operated Mallard Bay Resort aims to please.

Things to Do in Big Bear Lake, CA

Whether you prefer lake activities or the challenge of a snow-laden slope, you'll stay busy from morning until night at Big Bear Lake.

Just a few of the water activities available include fishing charters, canoeing, boating, paddleboarding, sailing, and waterskiing. On land, there are miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, ziplining through the lush forest, and climbing. Or take to the air for scenic airplane and helicopter tours.

Visit more than 160 alpine wildlife at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Learn about the animals, including mountain lions, grizzly bears, black bears, bobcats, foxes, wolves, wood bison, bald eagles, and more. Enjoy the daily presentation given by the keepers and the daily feeding tour.

For an up-close look at the scenery and countryside of the San Bernardino National Forest, stop by the Baldwin Lake Stables & Petting Zoo for a horseback riding adventure. Other points of interest include the Big Bear Solar Observatory, and the Big Bear Discovery Center.

Big Bear Lake offers a nearly unlimited assortment of outstanding hotels and resorts and a variety of recreational activities throughout all the seasons. From snow skiing at Snow, Summit, and Big Bear Mountain ski resorts to jet skiing, kayaking, and parasailing on Big Bear Lake, there's always something to do when visiting the "Inland Empire" of San Bernardino National Forest.

Verified reviews of the city: Big Bear Lake, CA

Below are reviews of the city of Big Bear Lake, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.